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From Closet to Community: Transforming Campus Culture Through Shared Resources
Senior Lily Reslink expands the Wesleyan Wardrobe into a vibrant outreach initiative
University News | December 2, 2025
Every Friday afternoon, senior Lily Reslink '26 transforms part of Clarke Hall into a welcoming, thrift-store–style environment open to all students and members of the campus community. Her weekly pop-up is part of a renewed effort to expand and reimagine the “Wesleyan Wardrobe,” VWU’s free professional clothing closet. By broadening its inventory and boosting campus awareness, Reslink hopes to unlock the full potential of this underutilized resource.
A native of Erie, Pennsylvania, Reslink is no stranger to campus communication efforts. As Editor-in-Chief of The Marlin Chronicle, she has spent years honing her skills in outreach, storytelling, and leadership—tools she now channels directly into this growing initiative.
“The Marlin Chronicle has been my lifeblood while on this campus, but this project has brought me a new channel of passion,” she says. “Both of these leadership roles continue to grow me, push me, and reward me each day.”
Her enthusiasm is unmistakable as she shares her vision for expanding access, streamlining communication, and reducing waste across campus.
The wardrobe expansion is part of Reslink’s student work-and-learn position with the Athenaeum staff, where she recently earned the title “Athenaeum Resource Outreach Coordinator.” A formal job description is currently in development to ensure the position continues after she graduates in May.
The project also serves as the foundation of her extensive capstone research for MC 411: Senior Seminar in Media & Communication Studies. Reslink will present her work—Communication and Circulation: Transforming a University into an Item-Sharing Community—during an "Environmentalism Across the Curriculum Premier Speaker Session" at the Fall 2025 Academic Symposium on December 4. Under the mentorship of Professor of Media and Communication Dr. Kathy Merlock Jackson, she has spent the semester studying how communication strategies can normalize sustainable sharing practices.
“I look forward to the opportunity to spread the word,” Reslink says. “Awareness is what will begin to help normalize sharing practices.”
Next semester, she will continue this work through HON 480: Senior Seminar, a requirement of the Batten Honors College, of which Reslink is a member. She then plans to turn her attention to developing a reduced-waste campus move-out program.
At the heart of her long-term vision is the creation of “Marlin Marketplace,” a centralized campus hub where students can communicate about shared resources, available items, and community needs.
“Communities that share are better for it,” she explains. “Members save money, help Earth, and build community. Universities offer a great framework for this. Before throwing something out or leaving it dormant in storage, it’s worth considering how it can be used elsewhere. Better communication can prevent unnecessary purchases and overconsumption—and make the world a better place.”
As graduation approaches, Reslink is committed to leaving the initiative in strong, sustainable shape.
“My plan is to establish a system that effectively and strategically integrates multiple departments, organizations and campus leaders so there are enough knowledgeable people involved for the position to continue.”
Reslink plans to remain in Coastal Virginia after graduation; she and her mother moved to the region following her high school completion. While she has applied for journalism positions, she is also pursuing public resource outreach roles, inspired directly by her work on this project.
Visit Reslink and explore the Wesleyan Wardrobe every Friday from noon to 2 p.m. in Clarke Hall. Donate gently used items—drop them in the box located in Hofheimer Library. For updates and details, follow on Instagram.